Used 2018 McLaren 570S

The 2018 McLaren 570S, 570GT and 570S Spider are supercars from a marque with less of a glorious pedigree as Ferrari or Porsche, but still deserve to be mixing in that same elite circle. Fans of American motorsport where the cars only ever turn left may not be familiar with the McLaren name, but those who understand and appreciate Formula One as the pinnacle — where unsurpassed talent, bravery, technical know-how and race craft are the minimum requirements — will know that McLaren has been a major player for years. Beneath those carbon-fiber skins lies more carbon fiber. Like an F1 car, there’s a lightweight cell that houses the driver, a muscular engine is mid-mounted, and everything else is kept light yet strong. This way of working means an expensive product, but an awesome power-to-weight ratio and incredible agility.

There are sharp responses and there are responses that feel absolutely immediate, almost like the car knows what input the driver is about to make and sets everything in motion within a millisecond. The 2018 570S can blast from standstill to 60 mph in a breathtaking 3.1 seconds; top speed is 204 mph. Not bad for McLaren’s most affordable car. It also has incredible agility. Driving modes allow the driver to delve deep into the systems. For example, get to a track, hold down the ESC switch to access the stability control’s Dynamic mode, and a skilled driver can drift around corners with magnificent oversteer. Those who prefer to travel in a more efficient manner will find an F1-inspired, high-performance experience that stretches from the aluminum switchgear to the crystal-clear feedback coming up to their hands and the seat of their pants.

Entering the McLaren 570S and 570GT means clambering over a wide sill. Hey, it’s not a true sports car unless there’s some contortion involved. Once belted in, the driver doesn’t have much in the way of distraction, just a touch screen set vertically and the usual controls. But there is a lot of lateral seating support that comes into its own through tight, fast cornering. The 570S offers nice leather and Alcantara simulated suede as options, the 570GT comes with those as standard. The GT also adds a little stowage space behind the seats, accessed by a small hatch, along with a panoramic glass roof. The Spider, naturally, brings open-top motoring.

The McLaren 570S and 570GT don’t look so different from other McLaren cars. They all display the marque’s take on the classic supercar layout. The good thing, perhaps crucial, is that they don’t look like products from any other maker. Chances are McLaren buyers already have a Ferrari and a Lamborghini somewhere in the corners of their large garages, so something else with a different flavor would be welcome. Incidentally, McLaren says the dihedral doors are lighter and more aerodynamically efficient than regular doors.

CARBON-FIBER CHASSIS
Weight is the enemy. It blunts performance and hampers agility. F1 teams are experienced warriors in this fight. That’s why carbon fiber, which is half the weight of steel but twice the strength, is used extensively. It also means that McLaren engineers can fine-tune the car’s ultimate balance.

7-SPEED TWIN-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION
It’s called a transmission because it transmits engine power to the rear wheels. Often taken for granted, it’s a crucially important link in the chain and needs to be working at the same high level as the rest of the car. This 7-speed unit allows the driver to exploit the V8’s considerable potential.

Each 570 variant comes with the same powertrain, along with an adjustable suspension, launch control, carbon-ceramic brake discs, LED exterior lighting, leather upholstery, drive-mode selection, 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Bluetooth, USB ports and satellite radio. The 570GT has classier leather, plus the extra stowage space, while the 2018 570S Spider has removable roof panels. Interestingly, these cars use electro-hydraulic power-steering assistance instead of the more common electrical assistance that tends to be less tactile. Some things are worth the weight. None of them, however, come with any driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking or blind-spot monitoring.

It’s a great idea to select the optional nose-lift function that raises ride height 1.6 inches, which is a boon for tricky driveways and speed bumps (this feature also comes with parking sensors front and rear). The sport exhaust enhances an already thrilling-sounding V8 engine. Super-lightweight 10-spoke forged-alloy wheels and an extensive array of carbon-fiber additions are also on the options list, along with a track data recorder, 12-speaker/1,280-watt Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system, and heated seats. Buyers may also choose virtually any exterior color they want.

Set into the middle of the McLaren 570S, 570S Spider and 570GT is a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 developing 562 horsepower (the equivalent of 570 metric horsepower). A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (it operates like an automatic) sends that energy to the rear wheels. The responses of both units and the stability-control system are adjusted through the three selectable driving modes of Normal, Sport and Track.

3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8
562 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm
443 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg